c. 100-300 AD. Roman. A rare gold ring with a circular hoop and elliptical bezel with a red hardstone setting engraved with a highly naturalistic portrait of Alexander the Great. He is depicted looking left, with flowing locks and a serious expression; he wears a lionskin, which identifies him with the demigod Hercules. After conquering much of the known world in the later 4th century BC, Alexander the Great, king of Macedonia. remained a major historical figure and subject of admiration for much of the rest of antiquity. He was commonly viewed as a model for aspiring generals and politicians; this exceptional item may therefore have belonged to a Roman soldier. In order to confirm its authenticity, this piece has undergone X-Ray Fluorescence analysis by an independent Belgian Laboratory. The samples collected show the chemical composition to reflect the typical metal contents of the described period, whilst also showing no modern trace elements in the patina. Good condition; wearable.Size: D: 20.85mm / US: 11 1/4 / UK: W1/4; 6.8g; Provenance: Property of a professional Ancient art and jewelry expert; previously with a London gallery; initially from a private British collection formed in the 1980s.